Ctsooner
New member
If you are correct and one's preamp is just a switch box (just an analog bypass box), then the most important equipment is the DAC feeding the switch box (preamp).
It's a heck of a lot more than a switch box as we all know. Even the best ever pre amps still add or subtract to the sound. If what you said was true, then it wouldn't matter what preamp you use, correct?
In addition, if the DAC was more important, then I'd say it's the source since that's where it all starts. If it's not in the original signal...... I also trust the designers who also make and sell the amps and DAC's and streamers when they say it's the preamp. I've also heard the same when auditioning systems since the early 70's.